Garner Products’ DiskMantler Wins E-SCRAP (Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement) Prize

Garner Products, Inc. announced that its DiskMantler has won the U.S. Department of Energy’s Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement (E-SCRAP) Prize for its revolutionary approach to hard drive disassembly, which streamlines the e-waste recycling process while maximizing critical material recovery.

Using precisely controlled shock, harmonics, and synchronized vibrations, the DiskMantler simultaneously loosens and ejects all hard drive screws in a unified process. In less than 60 seconds, the DiskMantler efficiently separates the PC board, cover, neodymium magnets, disks, and platters from the chassis.

The DiskMantler’s design delivers energy pulses throughout the hard drive’s structure, creating a multi-point wave that loosens all screw locations at once – even those hidden beneath labels or covers. This approach is unlike traditional CNC robotic systems that unscrew screws one by one. This process is particularly effective for modern media challenges, such as helium-filled drives with welded covers, and results in a cleaner waste stream for more effective recycling.

“No other tool on the market matches the DiskMantler’s effectiveness, sustainability, and innovation in hard drive decommissioning,” said Michelle Stofan, VP, Garner Products. “The DiskMantler is transforming how the industry approaches hard drive recycling. Winning the Department of Energy’s E-SCRAP Prize affirms the impact our DiskMantler technology is making in advancing sustainable e-waste solutions and promoting a circular economy.”

Sustainable Solution to Global Challenge
According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 Report, the world generated a staggering 62 million tons of e-waste, and this is projected to increase to 82 million tons by 2030, with only 22.3% properly recycled. Yet, the economic opportunity in recycling e-waste is enormous, with recoverable materials valued at $91 billion (Global E-Waste Monitor). Meanwhile, demand for rare-earth elements is expected to increase three to seven times by 2040, driven by advancements in technology and clean energy, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported.

Traditional hard drive recycling methods, such as shredding and smelting, often destroy valuable components, generate hazardous waste, and require extensive post-processing. The DiskMantler provides a clean, automated alternative that improves material recovery while reducing environmental impact. Its efficiency in recovering rare-earth elements and other valuable materials directly supports the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing and resource conservation.